Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
For Texans looking to trade the sprawling city lights for the serene shadows of the cypress trees, the **Magnolia Ridge Park Campground** offers a truly special retreat deep in the heart of the East Texas Pineywoods. Located on the tranquil northwest side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake (also known as Dam B), this campground is a treasured secret among locals who appreciate a quiet, exceptionally clean, and wildlife-rich outdoor experience. It's the ideal destination for anyone seeking a genuine escape, often described by repeat visitors as a "whole different world" from the hustle of Texas's major metropolitan areas.
Magnolia Ridge Park is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), a hallmark of quality that assures visitors of well-maintained grounds and reliable facilities. It serves as a perfect hub for fishing, boating, and simply reconnecting with nature in one of the state's most biodiverse regions. Whether you’re a lifelong Texan bringing your own RV, a family planning a traditional tent camping trip, or an angler searching for prime largemouth bass and crappie spots, this campground provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and essential comfort. One local camper beautifully summarized the experience: "My husband grew up spending his summers here... It's so peaceful, super clean and there are so many things to see."
The area is specifically renowned for its phenomenal wildlife viewing. Guests frequently report seeing iconic species like white-tailed deer, river otters, and various waterfowl. For the nature photographer or birdwatcher, the sights can be breathtaking—imagine waking up to the sounds of different birds whistling and spotting bald eagles perched in the trees across the water, a truly rare sight in many Texas campgrounds. Furthermore, for the dedicated fisherman in the family, the campground offers a unique, stocked Kid's Fish Pond, exclusively for younger anglers—a priceless feature designed to help catch that all-important "first fish," as one satisfied parent enthusiastically shared.
---
Location and Accessibility
**Magnolia Ridge Park Campground** is conveniently situated in the picturesque region of the East Texas Pineywoods, placing it close enough for a manageable weekend trip from East and Central Texas cities, yet remote enough to deliver that deep sense of escape that Texans crave.
The location is officially tied to the community of Woodville:
Address: Woodville, TX 75979, USA
More specifically, the park is located on the northwest side of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, roughly 12 miles east of Woodville off US-190, then north on FM 92. This positioning makes it easily accessible via major state and federal highways, ensuring a straightforward journey for travelers bringing large RVs or travel trailers. The area’s paved roads and relatively flat, spacious sites (many are pull-through or back-in and well-shaded) ensure smooth parking and set-up. While the campground offers a true wilderness feel, it is not completely isolated from civilization. Visitors note that you can "still have phone reception" and that a Dollar General store and gas station are conveniently close by, offering a perfect middle ground for those who want to get away but maintain easy access to last-minute necessities. The proximity to the small, historic town of Woodville also means that local services and amenities are just a short drive away.
---
Services Offered
As a USACE facility, Magnolia Ridge Park Campground provides robust, reliable services that ensure comfort and convenience for all campers, from tent enthusiasts to RV travelers. These services are key to a relaxing stay in the Pineywoods.
The following centralized services are reliably provided:
---
Features / Highlights
Magnolia Ridge is cherished by local Texans for its specific, high-quality natural and recreational features that make it a standout destination in the region. The focus here is heavily on authentic outdoor recreation and wildlife.
Key features and highlights of the park include:
---
Contact Information
For reservations, current seasonal rates, or any specific inquiries, it is recommended to contact the park office directly or utilize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) centralized reservation system (Recreation.gov).
Address: Woodville, TX 75979, USA (Typically listed with a nearby physical address like 1376 Magnolia One)
Park Office Phone: (409) 429-3491
Reservation System Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (General USACE/Recreation.gov)
Texas users are highly encouraged to make reservations in advance, as this popular campground, with only 41 sites, fills up quickly, especially during prime fishing and summer seasons.
---
What is Worth Choosing Magnolia Ridge Park Campground?
For Texans looking for a genuine, high-quality outdoor experience, choosing **Magnolia Ridge Park Campground** is an easy decision rooted in three core benefits: **Exceptional Tranquility, Unrivaled Wildlife, and Family-Focused Fishing.**
First, the **Exceptional Tranquility** is consistently noted as a primary draw. In a busy state like Texas, finding a campground that strictly enforces a quiet, peaceful atmosphere is invaluable. Campers here can genuinely relax, enjoying the sounds of nature—the whistling birds and the faint drone of distant boats—rather than loud noise or traffic. This makes it a true retreat for couples and families alike.
Second, the **Unrivaled Wildlife** experience is a unique selling point. The chance to routinely see magnificent animals like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and even large alligators in their natural habitat, all from the comfort of your campsite, is a thrilling highlight rarely offered by other Texas campgrounds. It turns a simple camping trip into a captivating wildlife safari.
Finally, the **Family-Focused Fishing** opportunities, centered around the unique stocked Kid's Fish Pond, make this destination a home run for families. This dedicated, safe, and exciting area ensures that young children have a positive and successful fishing experience, creating lifelong memories, like catching that celebrated "first fish."
Magnolia Ridge Park Campground offers Texas families the perfect blend of natural beauty, quiet relaxation, and fantastic recreational features, making it the ideal spot to get away from the city and enjoy the Pineywoods.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Had an amazing time with the family my son was fishing all day and night and finally caught his first fish! Restrooms and grounds were clean staff and neighbors were super friendly and it was a much needed break from the city will definitely be back
My husband grew up spending his summers here with his grandparents. We bring our RV here quite often when we want to get away from beach living. It's so peaceful, super clean and there are so many things to see. There are alligators galore. We always see 8-11 ft sized near our site and there is a tree with 2 bald eagles in it across from our site. Add the owls, turtles, momma deer with their yearlings, and racoon mommas with their kits following behind up a tree and you can't help but feel relaxed. Waking up to different birds whistling and the faint drone of fboats on the water just make this feel like a whole different world. There are no loud cars with the bass system cranked up, no parties, no one hollering, no disrespectful individuals. It's quiet from sun up to sundown If you really want to get away but still have phone reception, a Dollar General & gas station, this is the place. You can tent camp or travel trailer/RV here plus there is a special pond for kids to fish exclusively from & it's stocked!
I had originally picked this park because of availability in the area, and it was on the water. Looking at the picture online, it looked perfect for us. When we arrived, it was even better than it was in the picture. Sites are spaced out, with even sites. Very peaceful, no craziness, lots of wildlife, trails, fishing, and great camp hosts and staff. I didn't comment on the bathrooms as we are in an RV and I did not have a chance to venture to the park bathrooms. Dump site is level and easily accessible. We stayed in campsite 17. Level and super easy to back into. Amps include 30 & 50. Water pressure good. Definitely potable water not meant for drinking. Bring bottled water for drinking. We did drive to nearby Martin Dies State Park and it was very crowded with people everywhere. Compared to where we are, I let out an "aaaahhhhhhhh". Granted there is swimming over there and not here because of the gators. However, as a nature photographer, I am literally in gator heaven. I have seenany other photographers out here too. Quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. All in all, a great trip. Before I forget, if you need to buy anything, there is a Family Dollar close by. For groceries, head into Jasper roughly 25-30 minutes away to visit WalMart of Brookshire Brothers. A lot of restaurants and a coffee place is there too (you know for lattes, frappes, and such).
Beautiful park space far apart. Very nice walking/hiking trails. About 15 miles to Jasper or Woodville TX. $20 a night for 50 amp. Pickett house restaurant and old village there really neat.
Love love love this park. Have camped here several different times and have never been disappointed. Right down the road from Martin dies state park if you're wanting to hike and rent kayaks. The facilities have always been clean. The spaces are not on top of each other it's one of the main reasons I enjoy this park. The views are amazing.